The challenge
As a mission-driven leader, it's easy to get caught in the middle - caught between a compelling mission on one side and scarce resources to execute on the other. I know how that feels. That gap between mission and execution can seem overwhelming at times and hard to navigate. But what if you could turn your visionary thinking into a clear, compelling strategy with personalized action plans for every team member? Imagine every person on your team making daily decisions that propel you toward your mission. That’s the power of good strategy. Strategy bridges the gap between mission and execution and makes your vision come to life. Let me help you bridge the gap so you, your board, and your team can work together for greater impact. Let's get started!
The Solution
Using proven methods based on 25 years of experience in non-profit management, I provide a three-step process for solving the strategy gap. Together, we will build organizational health, engage the team in integral strategy, and design your operating model for efficient and effective impact. Get Healthy - Get Strategic - Get Moving.
Services
GET HEALTHY
organizational Health
It takes a strong team with a clear strategy to achieve mission. In fact, Patrick Lencioni in his book "The Advantage," calls organizational health the main ingredient for high performance. Strategy for the People brings a collaborative process to build strong teams through understanding strengths, building laser-sharp team clarity, and empowering people to use their strengths every day.
GET STRATEGIC
integral strategy
Strategy should engage the whole person for the whole mission. For faith-based organizations, integral strategy means bringing your faith to the strategy process along with best-practices from business. I facilitate a four-step integral strategy development process: 1) Discuss 2) Discern 3) Decide 4) Deliver.
GET MOVING
operational design
My approach to strategy is built on years of experience in finance, technology, and program management. I believe it’s better to have a simple strategy that people can use, than a fancy strategy that sits on the shelf. Together, we will design your operating model to make the strategy real on the ground.
Russ Debenport
Chief Strategist
Russ Debenport is the chief strategist at Strategy for the People. In this role, he works with organizations to build strong teams, establish clarity, and advance mission. Russ has over 25 years of experience in over 40 countries and has worked with organizations like the Chalmers Center, the Mayo Clinic, and Compassion International. With a human-centered, cross-disciplinary, conversational strategy style, Russ has helped dozens of nonprofits—from startups to well-established organizations—to implement and scale their mission. Let's get started!
A Great vision is inspiring, but great vision Plus a great strategy changes the world.
Recommendations
Katherine Cecala
President Junior Achievement of Arizona
I was privileged to work with Russ at Mayo Clinic where he was a part of our leadership team and led several key projects. Russ has an incredible combination of analytical, team-building, strategic-thinking, communication, and leadership skills. Russ developed several sophisticated analytical tools which enabled Mayo's leaders to better manage the revenue cycle.
Dr. Scott Todd
PREsident OneChild
Russ is a brilliant strategist. He brings a learning approach to complex problems and discovers patterns, connections and simplicity. This type of work fits his nature as a reflective and thoughtful person who delights in insight. Russ demonstrates an uncommon ability to engage the full scope of an issue, from its philosophical roots to the practical implications of planning and operations. Russ is a creative, design-oriented, communicator. The combination of a strategic thinker with a creative communicator was extremely powerful in our team and throughout Compassion. Understanding complex ideas is of little value unless those ideas are clearly and powerfully communicated. Russ brings talent in graphic design and appreciates visual communication in simple, memorable formats. Russ is an excellent listener who relates well with a wide range of people, particularly in cross-cultural relationships.